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2014 kia cadenza Model Overview

Overall Rating:

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5 of 5

Vehicle Overview

After having gone on sale first in Korea, the 2014 Kia Cadenza has finally arrived on U.S. shores. Although the sheetmetal is all-new, the idea behind a full-size Kia sedan isn’t, as the automaker attempted to move beyond the midsize segment in 2004 with the Amanti. Now that the Amanti is long gone, Kia hopes the Cadenza will help change consumers’ perceptions about the brand.

The sole powertrain available for the Cadenza is Kia’s latest and most powerful 3.3-liter V-6, good for 293 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. In MT testing, we were surprised at how sprightly the large and heavy sedan was with its 0-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. In a recent comparison test involving five full-size sedans , the Kia Cadenza finished first, ahead of the Chevrolet Impala, Toyota Avalon, Chrysler 300S, and Ford Taurus. “A huge value proposition, solid fuel-efficiency, near-luxury ride, and pretty sheetmetal make the Kia our near-unanimous choice for first place.” With an EPA-rated 19/28 mpg, the Cadenza didn’t perform quite as well as the Toyota Avalon’s 21/31 mpg, but we noted it rode much smoother and that its cabin was adorned with higher-quality materials.

In typical Kia fashion, the Cadenza comes riddled with an abundance of standard features. Things like navigation, leather, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, Bluetooth, rearview camera and sensors, heated power seats and Infinity stereo system are all included in the base price. For a little extra, the Technology model adds a digital instrument cluster, which reminded us of the one found in the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

What’s New for 2014

Everything about the Cadenza is new, but more recently announced is a new complimentary maintenance program. To help buyers justify spending $36,000-$42,000 on a Kia, the 2014 Cadenza (whether purchased or leased) comes with a free maintenance program that covers the first five factory-scheduled service appointments for 36 months or 37,500 miles.

You’ll Like

Rich materials

Intuitive UVO infotainment system

Warranty coverage

You Won’t Like

Numb steering feel

Slow downshifts

Perception of Kias

Key Competitors

Chevrolet Impala

Nissan Maxima

Ford Taurus

Toyota Avalon

Sum Up

2014 Kia Cadenza Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$35,100

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$22,600

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

Recall ID#14V289000 - WHEELS

Consequence

A wheel fracture could cause the circular rim to separate, resulting in a loss of tire pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

0000-00-00

Description

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2014 Cadenza vehicles manufactured February 1, 2013, through August 27, 2013, and equipped with 19" non-chrome aluminum wheels. The wheels on the affected vehicles may fracture from impacts such as large, deep potholes.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheels with new wheels, free of charge. The recall began in June 2014. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC107.